Sending your child away to college is hard enough with all of the feelings, the new stuff they “have to have” and money you’re about to pour into this new phase of their life. Add to that a cross-country move into a whole new climate and you’ve got a lot to plan for. Sending a kid to a snowy destination when they weren’t brought up in one, takes some serious preparation. If they’ll be taking a car, be sure they’re taking the right one, and that they learn how to handle driving in winter weather conditions!
You don’t have to buy a brand new Land Rover with all the bells and whistles. In fact a used car will serve them just fine. Here are some suggestions of used cars at DriveTime that will stand up to the weather and help keep them safe:
Car
A great used car for a winter climate is the Ford Crown Victoria. It’s not glamourous, but that’s not the point here. It’s got plenty of cargo room and you can’t go wrong with a model adapted for police cruisers when you’re thinking about structural safety. Plus it’s got a decent ground clearance for those fresh snow days, or those unplowed parking lots. It boasts All-Wheel Drive and Anti-Lock Brakes: two major safety features you don’t want to skip! Of course, you don’t have to buy a Crown Vic if you’re looking for a sedan, but look for similar features and avoid sub-compact cars that are light and prone to crushing in a crash. Plan for the worst and hopefully you’ll never experience it.
SUV
The Dodge Durango is a great choice because it’s not so big as to be unwieldy like a Hummer H1 or a Chevy Suburban. It’s got a good amount of engine power, great for hilly cities. Plus it has that all important 4 Wheel Drive and Anti-Lock Brakes. If you’re sending your kid off with a lot of stuff, you’ll have a tow hitch so you can pull a small rented trailer and make move-in/move-out that much easier.
Truck
Pickup trucks might not be the most ideal for a snowy climate. After all, cleaning out the truck bed after several inches of snowfall can be a royal pain. But when it comes to safety, a truck is a good choice. Look for a mid-size truck, like the Chevrolet Silverado. This particular model has Rear Wheel Drive, which is fine for driving in the snow (though not as good as 4-Wheel or All-Wheel drive) and Anti-Lock Brakes. You’ll also have the advantage of cargo space and towing capacity to aid move-in and move-out. The Silverado is advertised as being able to seat 6, but who really wants to cram that many people into a truck cab? So in terms of keeping passenger count down, the truck can be a real win.
Whatever you choose, be sure to check the tires, and budget for upgrading them if necessary. The right equipment and a little bit of training can go a long way in making sure your student stays safe and your stress level stays lowered!